Protecting Our Oceans

Half the oxygen we breathe comes from our oceans.

One of our world’s most stunning features, they cover more than 70 percent of the planet, comprise 99 percent of its habitable space, and house the greatest diversity of major plant, animal, and microbial species, from the simplest to the mightiest on earth.

Their importance to all life cannot be underestimated. Oceans regulate the climate, produce half of the earth’s breathable oxygen, and are a huge source of food. For the one billion coastal humans who depend directly upon them, the oceans are life itself.

And because of some pretty careless industrial human activity, our oceans are in a lot of trouble right now.

Ensuring Sustainable Seafood

The problems taxing the ocean are caused directly by what's available at the seafood counter. As demand for fish grows, destructive fishing and aquaculture continue to increase to meet the demand. We are working to change seafood choices made at a wholesale level by working with supermarket retailers to make sustainable seafood the only choice available. Read more

Spotlight on Tuna

Tuna is one of the world's favorite fish. It provides a critical part of the diet for millions of people, as well as being at the core of the world's luxury sashimi markets. But, did you know that globally tuna stocks are under threat, or that the tuna industry is one of the main drivers behind the shark fin trade?/p>

Our appetite for tuna is pushing several species of sharks, turtles, and tuna closer and closer to extinction. As more and more people consume tuna there has been a surge in the number and capacity of tuna-fishing vessels across the world. Read more

Saving Whales

A few countries, namely Japan, Norway and Iceland, continue to ignore a 1986 moratorium on commercial whaling—every year they kill thousands of whales to feed a black market of illegal whale meat.

For more than 40 years Greenpeace has been at the forefront of the fight to end this needless slaughter of one the most magnificent creatures on the planet. We are working to ensure that the Obama administration uses their diplomatic leverage to close the loopholes and end all commercial whaling. Read more

The Bering Sea

The waters of the Bering Sea-—between Alaska and Russia— are a rich marine environment that’s home to a diverse array of wildlife. Polar bears, seals, sea lions, walruses, whales and millions of seabirds make their home here.

The Bering Sea is also one of the most productive fishing spots in the world. But, the fragile ecosystem cannot sustain this level of commercial fishing without paying a price. Read more

The Solution is Marine Reserves

In order to protect the world’s oceans, portions of it have to be left alone. A marine reserve is like putting a giant “Do Not Disturb” sign around an area of the ocean. These protected areas are so important to the future of our oceans—giving wildlife a safe haven free from danger.

We are working to convince governments and the United Nations that marine reserves are critical to the oceans' future. We are advocating for setting aside 40% of the world’s oceans as marine reserves. Read more

The latest updates

When I was a boy, I would stand on the beaches of St. George Island, amazed by the wealth of life, both in the waters and on the lands of our small island. How could such a small land mass — part of the Pribilof Islands of the Bering Sea —...

Tuna are wild animals, but many people simply understand them as food. Using the shorthand ‘tuna’ can bit confusing, as it tends to cover a whole family of species, from the relatively small and widespread skipjack, right up to the majestic and...

This post Is it time for Bering Sea Canyon Marine Protected Areas yet? originally appeared on the blog of Greenpeace USA. This week the North Pacific Fishery Management Council (NPFMC) again turns its attention to the Bering Sea. For more...

Fin whales are the second largest animals in the world, after blue whales. They are sleek and swift, not as bulky as their larger cousins. Usually solitary, fin whales are occasionally seen migrating in pods as large as 300 individuals. They...

It’s Valentine’s Day. To offer you a sugar-free, non-commercialised way of celebrating here are our top ten reasons to LOVE the ocean. 1. A whole lotta heart Octopuses have three hearts. That’s good news when you’re a sucker for tangling your...

Media Contacts:

Myriam Fallon (Washington, DC)

708-546-9001

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